100 - A new political era

After 60 years, Britain again has a coalition government. The general election, which took place in May, did not give a parliamentary majority to either the ruling Labour party or the main opposition Conservative Party.

There followed four days of discussion, conjecture, proposals and counter-
proposals, until it was finally announced that the new government would consist of a coalition between the Conservative and Liberal Democrat Parties.

In many European countries elections which don't result in clear one-party government are the norm. So are coalitions.

In Britain however, for more than half a century - apart from some informal agreements ­ either the Labour or Conservative Party has ruled at national level without the help of a third, smaller party.

Britons are now amazed that candidates who sharply criticised each other during the election campaign now stand together as colleagues to present a common platform to the public.